Chapter 34

Summary

Jane bids a fond goodbye to her pupils, and happily leaves for Moor House, planning to renovate it with Hannah’s help, in time for Diana and Mary’s arrival. St. John disapproves of this plan, because he thinks it frivolous, but Jane goes ahead anyway. When she is done, she shows it to him, but while he claims it is an improvement, he does not seem appreciative in the least, and goes right back to studying after glancing through the rooms. Jane is hurt, and starts to think that St. John really is as cold and harsh as he says he is. In contrast, Diana and Mary arrive joyfully and love the improvements made to the house. The girls have a good time, talking and laughing. Jane notices that St. John is pleased that his sisters are back, but does not like to see them so high-spirited and laughing. Soon, it is Christmas. The girls have a great time, and are full of holiday cheer. St. John, however, is the scrooge of the bunch. He does not like their lightheartedness, and would rather see everyone occupied in useful activities. In addition, he does not seem bothered when he learns that Rosamond is engaged to another man, and tells Jane that he has won the battle against temptation.

More scarily, St. John begins to gain power over Jane. He encourages her to make sacrifices and work hard, and she does not dare complain when she is over-taxed. He also asks her to switch from studying German to Hindustani, since he is studying it as a preparation to go to India. Jane agrees, though she does not want to switch. Jane also learns that he is upset when she laughs or talks about trivial matters. In his presence, she feels compelled to engage in only serious conversation and serious activities. Jane wants to obey him, but she feels as though she is changing her own nature to conform to his.

Meanwhile, Jane is still worried about Mr. Rochester, and writes to Mrs. Fairfax multiple times, asking how he is. However, she gets no reply, and grows despondent. To make it worse, in the spring, St. John increases the pace of Jane’s Hindustani lessons, giving her no respite.

One day, he asks her to go for a walk with him. She obeys, and they walk in silence. He presently insists that they must rest. They sit there quietly for half an hour. Then, he tells her that he wants her to go to India with him – and here’s the kicker – as his wife! Jane says that she will go with him, but not as his wife. She decides that she cannot marry a man who thinks of her as a tool instead of loving her. St. John says that she must chose the right path, and leaves her. That night, she kisses his sisters goodnight, but ignores Jane. She runs out after him, and asks him to forgive her. He says, very coldly, that there is nothing to forgive, and goes to bed.

Reaction

This chapter is all about St. John, and how he slowly gains influence over Jane, almost withering her spirit. All my instincts tell me Jane should get out of there, pronto! St. John is such a Debbie Downer. The contrast between St. John and Mr. Rochester is startling. Jane is finally content and St. John tries to take it away. On the other hand, Mr. Rochester really tried to make Jane happy, whatever else you might say about his methods.